NEWS IN A Week in the Horn 12.09.2025
Ethiopia
Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, on Tuesday (September 9), in Guba, Benishangul-Gumuz region. (See article)
The Second Africa Climate Summitwas held from September 8-10, at Addis International Convention Center, in Addis Ababa, hosted by the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with the Africa Union Commission. The Summit which convened under the theme of “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”brought togetherHeads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats of African Union Member States, international partners, representatives of Civil Society Organizations and other participants. (See article)
The second Africa-CARICOM Summit was held in Addis Ababa from September 6–7 at the African Union Commission, reinforcing stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean region. (See article)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaking at the opening of the Second Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa on Monday (September 8), proposed the launch of an African Climate Innovation Compact to unite universities, research institutions, startups, rural communities, and innovators across the continent. He emphasized that Africa should attract investment for visionary solutions rather than aid.
Prime Minister Abiy conferred with Angola’s President João Lourenço, Chair of the African Union, on Sunday (September 7) on the sidelines of the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa. They discussed bilateral and regional matters, reaffirming their mutual commitment to continental progress.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with his counterparts from The Bahamas and Grenada on Sunday (September 7) on the sidelines of the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa. He and Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Audley Mitchell Jr. signed an agreement establishing formal diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and The Bahamas. In discussions with Grenadian Foreign Minister Joseph Andall, Gedion highlighted the importance of translating historical Africa-Caribbean ties into practical cooperation in health, diplomacy, human resource development, aviation, and other areas of shared interest.
TICAD 9 Summit convened from August 20–22 in Yokohama, Japan. Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel and including State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera, attended the Summit and engaged in extensive bilateral discussions with Japanese and international partners to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities. The meeting was co-chaired by the President of Angola, current Chairperson of the African Union, and the Prime Minister of Japan. More than 33 Heads of State and Government and other delegations attended the Summit. (See article)
An Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hadera participated virtually in the BRICS Leaders Summit on Monday (September 8). Convened at the initiative of Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, the meeting focused on multilateralism, collective security, and global cooperation. Ambassador Hadera reaffirmed Ethiopia’s support for the UN-centered multilateral system, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the importance of national and regional ownership of peace processes.
Senior government officials at Bole International Airport warmly received the heads of State and Government, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations, who attended the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the Second Africa Climate Summit.
A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister of Culture and Sports Nefisa Almehedi is participating in the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, taking place from September 11–13 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Djibouti
President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh attended the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, during his visit to Ethiopia.
Kenya
President William Ruto of Kenya took part in the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and joined the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during his visit to Ethiopia.
Somalia
Prime Minister Abiy met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday (September 10) to discuss common regional interests, reaffirming their commitment to fostering stability, security, and development across the region.
President Mohamud participated in the Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa and joined the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during his visit to Ethiopia.
South Sudan
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit to his office for bilateral discussions on Wednesday (September 10). The two leaders explored ways to strengthen cooperation and advance shared priorities between their nations.
President Kiir joined fellow heads of State and Government on Tuesday (September 9) for the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Africa and the African Union
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf took part in the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, the Second Africa Climate Summit, and the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia.
Note: For detailed reports, please check out the rest of this week’s news published in separate posts